CHARGERS: L.T. still in limbo with injury to groin

RB calls ailment perhaps toughest of his career

SAN DIEGO -- LaDainian Tomlinson must be ailing. He couldn't
shed a group of slow-moving media types Monday.

Actually, Tomlinson stopped to answer the million-dollar
question as the Chargers prepared for Sunday's AFC divisional
playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers: Can he stiff-arm the
pain accompanying a groin injury and contribute?

"I'm pretty sure at some point I will try it and see where I
am," Tomlinson said. "And then we will see what happens. That is
why we are leaving it as day-to-day and see how it reacts."

The Chargers had a light conditioning workout Monday, and
Tomlinson didn't participate. Instead, he stayed in the trainer's
room undergoing various treatments to aid his recovery.

Tomlinson was limited to five carries, one touchdown and 25
yards in Saturday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Unable to cut
or burst with his usual skill, he retreated to the sideline about
five minutes into the second quarter.

While standing among teammates, Tomlinson often looked
uncomfortable and kept shaking his legs. But he claims it had
nothing to do with his injury.

"I had to (use the restroom) and I was nervous about the game,"
he said with a smile. "And I couldn't control anything on the
sidelines."

Following the thrilling overtime victory, Tomlinson wasn't
confident about playing in the near future. There were also reports
that his groin strain -- suffered in the regular-season finale
against the Broncos -- was more severe than originally
diagnosed.

Tomlinson would neither confirm nor deny the extent of his
injury.

"I won't, because it is a medical issue and different doctors
have their opinions," he said. "I will leave it at that."

Where does that leave the Chargers' top back leading into an
encounter with the NFL's top defense at Heinz Field? According to
Tomlinson, he could be declared out as early as Thursday, or take
the decision all the way to kickoff.

"It's tough. This is a tough injury," Tomlinson said. "(I'd)
probably venture to say that it may be the toughest of my
career."

Tomlinson was also derailed in the playoffs last year after
injuring his knee when the visiting Chargers upset the Colts in the
divisional round. The following week in New England, Tomlinson was
forced out after two series.

In his career, Tomlinson has been hampered by ailments in
different spots -- groin (2004), rib (2005), jaw (2006), toe (2008)
and now the groin again.

Tomlinson said the Chargers haven't discussed placing him on
injured reserve, which would open a roster spot but also eliminate
the chances of him playing again this season.

"Not yet, we haven't," he said. "So we will see what
happens."

Added coach Norv Turner: "L.T. is sore right now, and we'll see
where he is Wednesday."

When Tomlinson is planted near the bench, it's a struggle for
the two-time defending rushing champion.

"I think the thing that is toughest to me is that I have no
control," he said. "I can't make any plays out there for the team,
and that is the hardest thing for me because I haven't been in that
position too much where I just had to stand over there and
watch."

An idle Tomlinson was offset by the sight of backup Darren
Sproles racing up and down the Qualcomm Stadium turf. With
Tomlinson out, a hot Sproles rushed for 105 yards and two scores,
including the game-winner.

"I am proud because any time a guy gets an opportunity, you want
him to do well, especially when it is one of your guys," Tomlinson
said of Sproles, who had 328 combined yards. "You are after the
same goal. We always talk about how we are all going to need each
other, and now it's more important than (ever). We definitely need
him."

Sproles, an All-Big 12 Conference selection at Kansas State in
2004, is ready.

"Whatever I need to do to help this team win, I'm willing to
do," he said. "I did this in college, too. It really doesn't bother
me at all."

Sproles has also erased some doubt that his 5-foot-6, 181-pound
frame could handle the workload.

"I think it's pretty evident that when you see him squirt
through there that they couldn't see him," quarterback Philip
Rivers said. "Again, he's so strong. It's a perception (that)
because he's short and small, that he's not powerful.

"I think now it's probably pretty well known. He doesn't
surprise people any more, but the first guy doesn't bring him down
very often. It's not only because he's making them miss. He's
running through arm tackles, exploding and falling forward. He's a
heck of a back and player and all-purpose player, as we know.